Sheikh Mohammed horses to run under Godolphin banner in Japan

From this Saturday all horses running on the JRA (Japan Racing Association) circuit under the name of Sheikh Mohammed will race instead in the name of Godolphin.

The racing silks carried in Japan will change to royal blue with a darker blue band on the sleeve.

There will be no change in the ownership of horses racing on the NAR (National Association of Racing) circuit in Japan.

Harry Sweeney, president of Godolphin in Japan said: “We are excited in Japan to become part of the Godolphin family in 2018. His Highness Sheikh Mohammed has an enormous respect for Japanese racing and we look forward to seeing the blue silks competing in Japan.”

New BHA role filled

The BHA has appointed Alison Enticknap, currently head of communications at the RSPB, to be its new head of stakeholder and internal communications. Enticknap, who is expected to start at the BHA in June, said: “It’s been a long-standing ambition to work in racing, so I'm hugely excited to be joining the BHA.”

Bowman hopeful of Tuesday return

Hugh Bowman is confident he can ride Winx on March 24 despite being stood down from rides in Sydney and Hong Kong this weekend after failing a concussion test on Wednesday.

Neurosurgeon Dr Mark Winder told Bowman he could not clear him to ride this weekend but Bowman said he felt he would be ready to resume riding trackwork on Tuesday – five days in advance of Winx's bid for a 24th consecutive victory in the Group 1 George Ryder Stakes at Rosehill.

He will be required to undergo further tests early next week before being cleared to ride.

Bowman was ordered to take the test after suffering concussion following a spectacular fall in last Saturday's Todman Stakes at Randwick.

Winx, meanwhile, will have an exhibition gallop over five furlongs at Rosehill this Saturday, with Kerrin McEvoy on board.

We are excited in Japan to become part of the Godolphin family in 2018